SINGAPORE – Crowds descended on a half-kilometre car-free stretch of the heritage area at Joo Chiat Road on Oct 3 to mark World Car-Free Day.
From 3.30pm to 9.30pm, the area between Dunman Road and East Coast Road was temporarily closed to traffic, as an endless stream of tourists and locals contributed to a carnival atmosphere as they forgot about the haze.
Over 5,000 people turned up, some with their children or bicycles in tow, checking out offerings from around 90 merchants who set up shop along the road.
This was the first time an area outside the Central Business District (CBD) was off-limits to cars and other vehicles to mark World Car-Free Day, an annual event which encourages people across the globe to explore more sustainable ways of commuting.
Minister of State for Transport, and Culture, Community and Youth Baey Yam Keng mingled with the crowd and said walking and cycling allowed people to discover familiar and new neighbourhoods.
He said: “We hope that people will also explore different parts of Singapore.”
Goh Pei Ming, MP for Marine Parade-Braddell Heights GRC, also popped by and called it a very special milestone for the constituency. He described Joo Chiat as a vibrant community with many arts and cultural offerings, as well as food and beverage options.
Goh, who is also Senior Minister of State for Social and Family Development, said: “There’s almost always a hidden gem right around the corner. And if you are able to slow it down and bring the people through… we’re probably able to let our residents and visitors explore the unique proposition that Joo Chiat has to offer.”
A contortionist performing on the streets at the Joo Chiat Car-Free Day event. The 530m stretch was split into multiple zones, as auxiliary police officers guarded the barricaded areas to ensure safety.
ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG
In 2025, British media group Time Out named Joo Chiat Road among the top 15 coolest streets in the world.
Read Full Article At Source